Actor Jamie Dornan spotted wearing a Cartier

At the 89th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 26, 2017, Jamie Dornan arrived on the red carpet in a cream dinner jacket and black bow tie — a studied, monochromatic look that drew the eye naturally to his wrist, where a Cartier Drive de Cartier in 18k pink gold caught the light with quiet authority. It was a confident choice for one of the most-watched red carpets in the world.

The Drive de Cartier, launched at SIHH 2016, represents Cartier's most considered new case architecture in a generation. The cushion-shaped case measures approximately 40mm across and sits low on the wrist thanks to an extra-flat profile — a shape the brand describes as inspired by the curved dashboards of classic motor cars. The reference visible here, consistent with the WGNM0003, features an 18k rose gold case, a silver sunray-brushed dial with black Roman numerals, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, and a sapphire cabochon crown. The strap is a dark brown alligator leather with a pink gold ardillon buckle. Powering the watch is Cartier's Manufacture calibre 1847 MC, a reliable self-winding movement with a 42-hour power reserve — functional, well-finished, and entirely in keeping with the dress-watch brief.

From a collector standpoint, the Drive de Cartier occupies an interesting position: it is unambiguously modern in conception yet deeply rooted in the Maison's formal watchmaking tradition. The absence of a date window keeps the dial architecturally clean, a decision that resonates with dress-watch purists. Early references in pink gold have already developed a small but devoted following among collectors who appreciate restrained elegance over technical complexity.

Jamie Dornan, the Northern Irish actor best known for his roles in Fifty Shades of Grey and The Fall, attended the 2017 Oscars as the film industry was recognising his growing dramatic range. His watch selection reflects a man who understands that at formal events, a timepiece should complement rather than compete — and the Drive de Cartier in rose gold does exactly that.

At retail, the Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat in pink gold was listed at approximately $13,500 USD. On the secondary market, well-kept examples in pink gold trade close to or slightly below retail, reflecting steady rather than speculative demand — a hallmark of classic Cartier dress references.